Ain’t I a woman?

Sojourner Truth becomes frustrated when men say women need to be helped into carriages and over puddles, but, really, are talking only about white women who lead sheltered lives.

“Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or give me the best place!” she said. “And ain’t I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain’t I a woman?”

Sojourner Truth was born a slave and sold from her parents when she was nine years old. Even though she never learned to read or write, she dictated her autobiography. She traveled for many years as an advocate for freedom for blacks and for women’s rights.

I learned about Truth this summer at a Girl Scout 3Cs Book Club. The 3Cs define the Girl Scout’s mission of encouraging girls to develop courage, confidence and character.

–Joy